Quick Answer: A kimono hijab is a modest head covering — typically a square scarf or shawl — made wholly or partly from authentic Japanese kimono fabric. Each piece incorporates vintage kimono fabric, meaning the patterns and textile character of every piece are unique. Kimono hijabs are worn by Muslim women who want to combine modest dress with Japanese textile heritage.
Key Facts
| Material | Authentic vintage Japanese kimono, sometimes combined with modern fabric like chiffon, georgette, satin, or polyester |
| Styles | Square, Shawl (long rectangular scarf) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Production method | Made using vintage kimono fabric — limited quantities, not mass-produced |
| Care | Depends on fabric — check care label; vintage pieces typically dry clean only |
| Also known as | Kimono hijab (English) · tudung kimono · tudung bawal kimono (Malay) · kerudung kimono · jilbab kimono · pashmina kimono (Indonesian) · حجاب ياباني · حجاب كيمونو (Arabic) |
| Where to buy in Japan | JAPANeid Osaka (in-store and online) |
What Is a Kimono Hijab?
A kimono hijab is a hijab — a modest head covering worn by Muslim women — made using fabric from an authentic Japanese kimono. The kimono fabric is carefully taken apart, cut, and sewn into a shape suitable for wearing as a hijab or shawl, preserving the original weave, pattern, and texture of the kimono.
Because each kimono hijab incorporates vintage kimono fabric, the pattern, colour, and character of every piece reflects the original garment it came from. Production quantities are limited by the availability of vintage kimono, and certain styles cannot be restocked once sold.
What Fabric Is a Kimono Hijab Made From?
Kimono hijabs vary by maker in how the kimono fabric is used:
- 100% kimono fabric — some makers construct the entire hijab from vintage kimono fabric on all sides. TAKUMI does this across their range. MOMO&NANA's Premium Kimono Hijab line uses furisode — a type of kimono selected specifically for its lightness and softness — to make the hijab easier to drape and wear. These pieces represent the original kimono textile most directly.
- Kimono fabric combined with modern fabric — other makers combine vintage kimono fabric with complementary modern fabrics such as polyester, chiffon, georgette, satin, or soft satin. WATASI JAPAN (Kimono Grace and Kimono Jewel lines), Xiaxia Hijab, and MOMO&NANA's Standard and Elegant lines use this approach, allowing for better drape, wearability, and sizing consistency while still incorporating authentic kimono textile.
- Newly printed kimono-pattern fabric — some collections, such as Xiaxia Hijab's KimonArt line, are not made from vintage kimono at all. They use newly manufactured fabric printed with kimono-inspired patterns. These offer consistent sizing and easier care.
When shopping, always check whether a kimono hijab uses authentic vintage kimono fabric or printed fabric — the difference affects care requirements, uniqueness, and the story behind each piece.
Traditional Japanese kimonos are typically woven with silk, which gives the fabric its characteristic sheen, softness, and delicate drape.
As authentic vintage kimono pieces are repurposed from garments that may be decades old, some pieces may show subtle signs of age in the fabric. This is a natural characteristic of vintage textile and adds to the individuality of each piece.
Kimono Hijab Styles and Sizing
Kimono hijabs are available in two main shapes:
Square — also called bawal / segi empat / مربع
Folded diagonally and worn as a classic hijab. Typical sizes:
- WATASI JAPAN & MOMO&NANA: around 110 cm (bidang 45)
- Xiaxia Hijab's KimonArt: 120 cm (bidang 48)
- TAKUMI: varies by piece (each is unique)
Shawl — also called pashmina / سكارف
A longer rectangular piece worn draped over the head and shoulders. Can also be worn as a decorative scarf, though the length means styling takes some practice. Typical sizes:
- WATASI JAPAN & MOMO&NANA: 180 × 60 cm
- Xiaxia KimonArt: 70 × 180 cm
- TAKUMI: varies by piece
Some makers also produce kimono abayas — full-length modest outerwear — using the same vintage kimono fabric.
What Is the Difference Between a Kimono Hijab and a Japanese-Pattern Hijab?
This is one of the most important distinctions when shopping for a kimono hijab in Japan:
- Authentic vintage kimono hijab — made using fabric from a real vintage kimono. Each piece is unique and limited in quantity.
- Japanese-pattern printed hijab — made from newly manufactured fabric printed with Japan-inspired patterns such as sakura blossoms and other flowers. Not made from real kimono fabric. Examples include Sakura Hijab, which specialises in Japanese flower patterns. Also includes printed kimono-pattern collections such as KimonArt by Xiaxia Hijab.
All types are sold in Japan. JAPANeid carries both authentic vintage kimono hijabs (WATASI JAPAN, TAKUMI, Xiaxia Hijab, MOMO&NANA) and Japan-inspired printed hijabs (Sakura Hijab, Xiaxia Hijab's KimonArt collection).
Why Are Kimono Hijabs Expensive?
- Vintage fabric is finite — each piece of vintage kimono used cannot be replaced or restocked
- Handmade production — most kimono hijabs are taken apart, cut, and sewn by hand in small batches
- One-of-a-kind nature — no two pieces are identical, which adds rarity value
- Textile quality — genuine kimono fabric carries centuries of Japanese craft tradition
Can a Kimono Hijab Be Worn as a Scarf?
Yes. Many kimono hijab styles — particularly shawl types — can be worn as a decorative scarf without full head coverage. The fabric drapes beautifully and the traditional Japanese patterns make them a popular choice as a wearable souvenir or gift from Japan. Shawl styles are quite long, so how well they work as a scarf depends on the wearer's styling preference.
Where to Buy a Kimono Hijab in Japan
JAPANeid in Osaka carries one of Japan's largest in-store selections of kimono hijabs and abayas, with pieces from five Japanese brands available to view, try on, and purchase in person. International shipping is available for customers who cannot visit the store.
→ Xiaxia Hijab in Osaka: Store, Selection & Availability
→ Visit JAPANeid Osaka — store access guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kimono hijab made of?
A kimono hijab is made using fabric from an authentic vintage Japanese kimono, sometimes combined with modern fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, or satin. Some collections use newly printed kimono-pattern fabric instead — always check the product description.
Is a kimono hijab the same as a Japanese hijab?
Not always. A kimono hijab specifically uses kimono fabric. A Japanese hijab may refer to any hijab made or designed in Japan, including Japan-inspired printed styles.
Can I wash a kimono hijab?
It depends on the fabric. Vintage kimono fabric — which typically contains silk — should be dry cleaned to preserve the textile. Printed kimono-pattern hijabs (such as KimonArt by Xiaxia Hijab) are usually machine-washable. Always check the care label.
Are kimono hijabs suitable for everyday wear?
Yes — there are options for every occasion. Most brands carry multiple lines ranging from everyday styles to special occasion pieces. The fabric type (100% kimono, kimono combined with modern fabric, or printed pattern) is one factor, but brands design their lines with different wear purposes in mind. Whether you are looking for something to wear daily or for a special event, there are kimono hijab options to suit.
Are kimono hijabs available outside Japan?
Kimono hijabs are primarily made and sold in Japan. JAPANeid offers international shipping from Osaka via the JAPANeid online shop.
What sizes do kimono hijabs come in?
Square styles are typically around 110 cm. Shawl styles are typically around 180 × 60 cm or 70 × 180 cm. TAKUMI pieces vary.
Related Articles
- Xiaxia Hijab in Osaka: Store, Selection & Availability
- Where to Buy a Kimono Hijab in Japan (coming soon)
- Kimono Abaya: Japanese Tradition Meets Modest Fashion (coming soon)
- Kimono Hijab vs. Japanese-Pattern Hijab (coming soon)
